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Affordable alternativ to the PS Audio DirectStream DAC

I have borrowed a DirectStream DAC from my dealer very nice of him because he knows that I can't afford it (:
I have to say it is everything I have ever wanted from a streamer/dac. Music just pouring out of my speakers, real sweet music.

Voices just sounds so real, everything is in place, there are details but not in your face. I just love it. This is like music should sound.

I am using it with a PrimaLuna HP integrated. Very nice combo.

The DirectStream DAC junior is discontinuing and I can't get my hands on a used one.

If you have heard the DirectStream DAC and know of another dac sounding as musical -- let me know   
martin-andersen
martin-andersen OP
139 posts
 
I would love to try the Teac NT-505 DAC but it's not available in Denmark.
worldwidewholesales
135 posts
 
Hi,

If you're not in a huge rush, Rockna will be debuting their new Wavelight dac and Wavelight server at the Munich Audio show this week. The designer and owner for Rockna was also one of the previous designers for PS Audio, Goldmund and MSB. Rockna in our opinion, after A/B testing 74 different digital front ends, is a world class digital product. I am not sure of the pricing but I know it will be below the Rockna Edition dac which retails for $6000 per piece in the single ended version.

Just a side note we are the North American distributors for Rockna but it can now be purchased in several stores across Canada and the US.

Cheers,

martin-andersen OP
139 posts
 
The Rockna new Wavelight dac looks like billion. very nice dac to look at
audiotroy's avatar
audiotroy
3,782 posts
 
Martin, we are not yet selling the Rockans one of our clients in a different state got one and was blown away with the sound quality this gentleman demoed a lot of dacs and came away with stateing that the Rockna was just exceptional in both its musicality and build quality.

Considering that you are in Europe and so is Rocknawe would agree with World Wide that you really should check out their products.

The main designer of Rockna is considered a digital engineering genius and we have been following Rockna’s progress for years.

Dave and Troy
Audio Doctor NJ
tonyptony
617 posts
 
Let me toss in a suggestion for the exaSound e32 MkII. Granted, you'd have to piece it together with a streamer, but exaSound is offering a package with their DAC, their Sigma Streamer and a Teddy Pardo supply (highly recommended) for $3399. 30 day risk free trial. I've owned the DS DAC since it was in beta testing, and agree with the OP's thoughts on its sound. My friend has a similar system but wanted a less expensive DAC, He chose the e32 MkII with the Pardo supply (doesn't have the Sigma Streamer). My opinion is his digital is quite nice. I consider a great budget alternative to my DS.
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